MIAMI- Dan Marino, National Football League Hall of Fame Quarterback, media personality, and philanthropist, has teamed up with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary to help raise awareness of safe boating practices for recreational boaters.

Marino, who played quarterback for the Miami Dolphins for 17 consecutive seasons and held 25 NFL records at the time of his retirement, will appear in a series of public service announcements promoting safe boating messages to the general public. Marino will also participate in a National Safe Boating Week kick-off event May 12 in Miami Beach, Fla.

“As we have seen all too frequently, a fun day out on the water can quickly turn dangerous,” said Marino. “Taking a boating safety class will help boaters of all ages better handle emergencies.”

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary recommends that all boat operators:

Take an approved boating safety course.

Get a FREE Vessel Safety Check from a certified examiner.

File a “Float Plan” with a friend or family member before you leave the dock.

Wear your Life Jacket while underway, statistics show they save lives.

To find additional information on the boating safety courses offered by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, or to find a Vessel Examiner in your area, please visit http://cgaux.org.